Stephen Hendry last night became the first man into the semi-finals of this year's Travis Perkins UK Championship with a hard-fought win over Ali Carter.

The number four seed had led 8-4 at one stage, but then suffered a spell of twitchiness, allowing Carter back to 8-7.

But in the 16th frame, the five-time winner of the event hit a break of 64 to close out the match 9-7.

Hendry led the world number 19 5-3 at the halfway point of their clash, with the talking point of the first session being Carter's spurned 147 attempt. The Essex man rattled the jaws of the pocket with the 14th black, ruling himself out of the running for the £26,000 prize for a maximum.

Despite eventually crossing the finish line, Hendry was nowhere near as fluent as he was in the third-round match against Mark Williams, with the 76 he made in frame one his highest score.

In last night's second quarter final, golden oldie Steve Davis fought off a brave comeback by Irishman Ken Doherty to also go through 9-8.

Davis, 48, who beat holder Sean Maguire 9-8 after trailing 8-6 in the last round, was himself in danger of being toppled by a similar comeback. But Davis held his nerve and secured the win in the 16th frame, thanks to a tremendous double. "I'm so happy to be playing well at the minute," said Davis afterwards.